Residents in Antigua’s eastern corridor are set to benefit from enhanced emergency medical support, as ambulatory services will soon be introduced at the Glanvilles Polyclinic.
The announcement was made on March 10 by Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph while delivering remarks at the official opening ceremony for the Medical Benefits Pharmacy at the facility.
During his address, Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph revealed that the Government has already purchased an ambulance dedicated to the Glanvilles Polyclinic, and that the vehicle has been shipped and the Ministry is currently awaiting its arrival in Antigua and Barbuda. Once the ambulance arrives and is fully commissioned, ambulatory services will be operational within a matter of days.
The introduction of ambulance services at the Glanvilles Polyclinic is expected to significantly strengthen emergency response capabilities in the eastern corridor of the island. The service will provide rapid medical transport and support for residents experiencing urgent or emergency health conditions, ensuring that patients can receive timely care when it matters most.
The ambulance service will serve communities including Glanvilles, Freetown, Pares, Seatons, Willikies, Newfield, Bethesda, and other surrounding villages, improving access to emergency medical transport across the eastern region.
Minister Joseph emphasized that the expansion of services at the Glanvilles Polyclinic forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to decentralize healthcare services and bring critical medical support closer to communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
The Minister also spoke to the long-term vision for strengthening the island’s primary healthcare network. He indicated that, as healthcare demands continue to grow, a third polyclinic will eventually be required to adequately serve the southern corridor of the island.
Such a facility, he explained, would serve communities from Golden Grove to Old Road, ensuring that residents in the southern part of Antigua have improved access to comprehensive primary healthcare services within their communities.
Minister Joseph noted that initiatives such as the introduction of ambulatory services at the Glanvilles Polyclinic demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving emergency response capabilities, and ensuring that citizens and residents have access to quality healthcare services regardless of where they live.
The launch of the ambulance service will mark another important milestone in enhancing healthcare delivery for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, particularly those living in the eastern communities.